AEM Workflows allows you to automate a series of steps that are performed on a page or asset. For example, when publishing, an editor has to review the content - before a site administrator activates the page. A worklow that automates this example notifies each participant when it is time to perform their required work:

The author applies the workflow to the page.

The editor receives a work item that indicates that they are required to review the page content. When finished, they indicate that their work item is complete.

The site administrator then receives a work item that requests the activation of the page. When finished, they indicate that their work item is complete.

Typically:

Content authors apply workflows to pages as well as participate in workflows.

The workflows that you use are specific to the business processes of your organization.